Is there anybody there?

[Emjay]

It has been almost a week since I last logged on properly to this forum and in that time barely anything has changed!

The situation was the same the last time I logged on and browsed through the threads.

Do local people actually know enough about the Wirksworth Website to realise that a forum exists? I came across it whilst browsing Wirksworth.net for something and thought I'd be nosey and see what the forum was all about. It was interesting enough to make me register but trawling the threads is time-consuming and when you get to the end there is nothing new to read (even though threads are highlighted as "hot"):confused::confused:

Whenever I log on I'm the only one logged on, other than some "guests" reading the threads but adding nothing.

Is this all there is to the Wirksworth.net forum?

Was the old message board more active? If so, what has happened?

Sorry, moaning on a bit. :D:o

[jacob]

Threads were highlighted as unread probably because you looked in without logging in, so the system didn't know you.
I think this board is busier than the old one - it's certainly got a lot more potential, though it needs a bit of management to make it less complicated IMHO
Why not stir things up a bit - start a topic, post up you holiday snaps, say something controversial, ask a question etc etc

cheers
Jacob

[jackier]

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[alastairclark]

Emjay poses a few good questions in my view as to why people may not be using the forum.

There is of course the other side of the arguement which is why would people choose to use an online forum to communicate - when the weather is nice and we live quite close to each othe anyway?

There is always the bar of the Red Lion and, unlike the forum, they serve beer! (And aren't pubs so much nicer after the smoking ban?)

[Stella]

People may not be writing messages, but they are certainly viewing them. Have you looked at the numbers listed on the right. Quite interesting. The soap opera, West Enders seems very popular.
The trouble is that we see the same old names over and over again. I agree with MJ, we could do with some new ones.

[Iver Million]

Should all pseudonyms be banned? Have your say!

[Unregistered]

Should all pseudonyms be banned? Have your say!

No but unregistered posters should be. I could be a mad pornographer for all you know, and about to post some very weird photos.

gday
rumpelstiltskin

[Erica Boulton]

No but unregistered posters should be. I could be a mad pornographer for all you know, and about to post some very weird photos. gday rumpelstiltskin

In my view, it would be better to continue permitting the pseudonyms and unregistered posters otherwise you might as well close the whole Forum down. At least they are keeping it alive and kicking. ;)

[jacob]

In my view, it would be better to continue permitting the pseudonyms and unregistered posters otherwise you might as well close the whole Forum down. At least they are keeping it alive and kicking. ;)I'm all for pseudonyms - but registered only, so that they have a pseudo identity at least. But unregulated access leads to problems as we have seen. If they have to register most of them will - if they have anything to say. It's not as though it's difficult.

cheers
Jacob

[Stella]

If they have to register most of them will - if they have anything to say. It's not as though it's difficult.

But... Jacob don't you feel embarrassed at the number of messages you and I have written. I do! :o:o:o

I wish some of those who have written a message would write another one. Even if it is only a reply or an episode of West Enders. And that reminds me, if it is the last page...what happens then. How can the story be continued?

[jacob]

Hi Stella

I wouldn't worry about it, but I know what you mean; are we opinionated busy bodies? Well perhaps yes, but I intend to stay that way - the more of us the better IMHO:):D

I blame the management.
I guess they are hoping to continue the hands-off management style of wirksworth.net. It didn't work there and it won't here IMHO.
They need to be involved everyday and to be seen to be participating. They should lead from the front, respond to feedback, discuss issues, reply to queries etc.
They also need to be very pro-active in promoting the board, otherwise it'll just tootle along feebly as it is now.
There are a lot of people out there who would get involved, with a bit of encouragement. Many don't realise just how useful a board can be - they need to be told and encouraged. Maybe the management themselves don't realise it either?
You could say it's all just another corner of the mysterious Wirksworth Communications black hole.

Come on management whoever wherever you are, please try and join in a bit!, don't be shy!!!

cheers
Jacob

[Erica Boulton]

I do think you should take into consideration that probably the 'management' all have jobs to do and what they do for wirksworth.net is on a voluntary basis. I'm not sure if this is correct, but I would assume so. Stella, I know is a retired person so she has time on her hands to send messages and possibly the same applies to you Jacob.I don't know you so I cannot imagine whether you are retired or not.
I don't think it is quite fair of you to blame the management as you do, although I do agree with you that it could be run slightly better than it is. We haven't had had scammers today, so be grateful for that!!!

[jacob]

snip
There is of course the other side of the arguement which is why would people choose to use an online forum to communicate - when the weather is nice and we live quite close to each othe anyway?Mainly because it's so easy to use - you can drop in any time, or do it over breakfast (marmalade on my keyboard!), middle of the night if you can't sleep etc. Also leaves a permanent record - nobody minutes the great world-changing pub debates!
Functionally useful - groups can do lots of business on-line continuously instead of having meetings where not everybody turns up etc

cheers
Jacob